THE POLAR JOURNEY 367 



tribution of weights of the two parties going on. The 

 temperature was down to zero to-day, the lowest it has 

 been for some time this summer weather." 1 



" There is a very mournful air to-night — those going 

 on and those turning back. Bill came in while I was 

 cooking, to say good-bye. He told me he fully expected to 

 come back with the next party: that he could see Scott 

 was going to take on the strongest fellows, perhaps three 

 seamen. It would be a great disappointment if Bill did not 

 go on. z 



We gave away any gear which we could spare to those 

 going on, and I find the following in my diary: 



" I have been trying to give away my spare gear where 

 it may be most acceptable: finnesko to Birdie, pyjama 

 trousers to Bill, and a bag of baccy for Bill to give Scott 

 on Christmas Day, some baccy to Titus, jaeger socks and 

 half my scarf to Crean, and a bit of handkerchief to Birdie. 

 Very tired to-night." 



Scott wrote : "We are struggling on, considering all 

 things against odds. The weather is a constant anxiety, 

 otherwise arrangements are working exactly as planned. 



" Here we are practically on the summit and up to date 

 in the provision line. We ought to get through." 3 



1 Bowers. 2 My own diary. 3 Scott's Last Expedition, vol. i. p. 513. 



